History and Social Sciences

How have people lived and worked together through the ages and in the present day? The Division of History and Social Sciences includes areas that involve the study of human society and social relationships—anthropology, economics, history, political science, psychology, quantitative theory and methods, sociology, and women’s studies.

Understanding your place in the world

The social phenomena you will study in your courses impact people’s lives in significant ways. Understanding and seeking solutions for issues related to these external social influences can help improve the quality of our lives.

In the History and Social Sciences division, we’ll guide your investigation into the enduring values and concepts of Western civilization. We believe you develop as a responsible member of society only when you understand your roots. Then your convictions can result from critical thought rather than cultural influences only. Join us in gaining a better understanding of the world and your place in it.

Anthropology 204: Introduction to Archaeology

Analyze the traces of environments people created in the past and explore those in which we live.

Programs of study

Anthropology

Major/Minor

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Anthropology

Anthropology is the holistic study of human beings as biological and cultural organisms in both the past and present. It is divided into four subdisciplines: biological, archaeology, linguistics and cultural anthropology. At Oxford, you will have the opportunity to participate in anthropological research projects with faculty.

Economics

Economics describes and analyzes the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. At Oxford, you will study economics in a liberal-arts environment, where the limitations and consequences of economics are considered in a broader social context. Many Oxford students in economics opt to attend Emory's Goizueta Business School in the final two years of their undergraduate degree.

Courses you might take at Oxford include economics and statistical methods.

History

History is the study of the shared human experience over time. In addition to our introductory courses in traditional areas such as Western civilization and U.S. history, Oxford offers specialized courses on topics such as church history, mythic kings and American civil rights. Gaining a historical perspective forms an important part of a liberal-arts education. You will gain excellent training for your professional life by developing skills in critical thinking, research, writing and oral presentations.

Political Science

Political science describes and analyzes political life. Oxford’s courses focus on political philosophy, U.S. government and international relations. The study of politics is one of the oldest scholarly disciplines, with an intellectual heritage that includes Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli and Tocqueville. In ancient times, the search for justice was the starting point for knowledge about politics. Our political science program recognizes that justice has not been entirely discovered yet. We believe this endeavor is what infuses learning about politics with meaning.

Courses you might take at Oxford include political science and philosophy.

Psychology

Psychology examines and explains the behavior and mental processes of humans. Our psychology program offers you a balanced curriculum in experimental, psychobiological, social/personality/ clinical, and cognitive/developmental areas.

Courses you might take at Oxford include psychology and quantitative theory and methods.

Sociology

Sociology is the study of human social behavior, the groups to which humans belong, and the interactions that occur within those groups. At Oxford, the aim is to help students recognize the relationship between their own experience and the broader social forces that shape the world. In addition to traditional learning in the classroom, Oxford also offers courses that take students off campus, where they can see classroom concepts in action in the day-to-day world.

Courses you might take at Oxford include sociology and quantitative theory and methods.

Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

Women's, Gender and Sexuality studies aims is to investigate the topics of women, gender and sexuality from an inclusive perspective that takes into consideration factors such as socioeconomic status, race and national identity. At Oxford, you will take foundational courses in these areas, and may participate in the annual Women's Studies Student Research Forum.

Courses you might take at Oxford include sociology and women's gender and sexuality.